The ANMF (Vic Branch) 10-point plan to end violence and aggression is now more than ten years old. Late last year we invited members to join our review of the plan to understand what’s working and what isn’t.
When the plan was originally developed, it was done so with the goal of being a living, practical tool. Since then, much has changed – perhaps most notably, the recent recognition of workplace psychosocial hazards in Victorian law.
And despite implementation of the plan being written into the public sector general and mental health enterprise agreements, there are known gaps: it only applies in the public sector, for example.
ANMF elected officials, ANMF occupational health and safety staff, industry experts and members from around the state are part of this important working group representing nursing, midwifery, mental health nursing and carers, with aims to review the ANMF 10-point plan to ensure it:
- reflects current workplace demands
- aligns with Victorian OHS and psychosocial health regulations
- features stronger expectations on employers regarding risk identification, control measures, consultation and reporting
- enables prevention (systems) not only response (after incidents)
- outlines clearer links between OVA, fatigue, workload and psychological injury
- is practical, usable and enforceable at the workplace level.
The review working group met for the first time in February 2026. Among the key messages we heard were:
- Enforcement and accountability remain an issue, along with transparency of organisational responses to OVA incidents
- There need to be clear consequences for organisations that fail to investigate incidents
- Funding is too often lacking for staff safety
- Incident reporting systems need to be clearer and easier to use – and consistent across sites
- There needs to be better recognition of the impact of workforce shortages and skill mix on staff safety
- Lack of awareness of the plan’s existence, especially from health service leadership.
- There needs to be more sharing positive behaviour support plans across services
Further monthly meetings are scheduled between now and July, with the goal of delivering the updated 10-point plan by September 2026.
Members keen to share ideas or get involved in the review can contact ohs@anmfvic.asn.au.
